Year 11 GCSE Science

We are looking forward to supporting our Year 11 students through an important year of GCSE preparation. We are proud of the commitment shown by our students and staff, and our 2026 results provide some excellent successes to celebrate.

In 2026, 60% of our students achieved grades 9–7 in Biology, compared with 44.4% nationally, and our students achieved 25 Grade 9s across Science. We want to build on this success with our current Year 11 students.

AQA to pay out £1m for 'serious breaches' on exam re-marksGCSE Science

Students will follow either AQA Combined Science: Trilogy or AQA Separate Sciences (Triple Science).

Combined Science: Trilogy

Combined Science is worth two GCSEs. Students sit six examination papers:

  • Biology Paper 1 – 70 marks
  • Biology Paper 2 – 70 marks
  • Chemistry Paper 1 – 70 marks
  • Chemistry Paper 2 – 70 marks
  • Physics Paper 1 – 70 marks
  • Physics Paper 2 – 70 marks

Separate Sciences: Triple Science

Students studying Triple Science sit two papers in each science:

  • Biology Paper 1 – 100 marks
  • Biology Paper 2 – 100 marks
  • Chemistry Paper 1 – 100 marks
  • Chemistry Paper 2 – 100 marks
  • Physics Paper 1 – 100 marks
  • Physics Paper 2 – 100 marks

Students studying Triple Science are working towards three separate GCSE qualifications.

Exam Practice in Every Lesson

Examination preparation does not begin at the end of Year 11. It happens in every Science lesson.

Past-paper and examination-style questions are regularly incorporated into lessons, giving students opportunities to practise applying their scientific knowledge. Students will be asked to:

  • Interpret information
  • Complete calculations
  • Explain scientific concepts
  • Apply their understanding to unfamiliar situations
  • Develop their examination technique

Questions are live marked in lessons, giving students immediate feedback. Students are then expected to respond to this feedback, correct mistakes and improve their answers.

Required Practicals and Working Scientifically

Required practicals are an important part of GCSE Science examinations. Practical knowledge and skills are therefore embedded throughout our teaching.

All students complete the required practicals during Science lessons.

Students will also develop their Working Scientifically skills, including analysing information, evaluating evidence, drawing conclusions and applying scientific knowledge.

Monday Science Intervention

Year 11 Science intervention takes place every Monday from 3.00–4.00pm.

These sessions provide an additional opportunity for students to work with a Science teacher and may include:

  • Targeted support with specific topics
  • Addressing misconceptions
  • Revisiting challenging content
  • Additional examination practice
  • Support with examination technique

Students will be encouraged to attend intervention when invited and to make the most of the additional support available.

Sparx Science - HomeSparx Science Homework

Students receive Sparx Science homework every week.

Homework is designed to consolidate learning from lessons and strengthen students' long-term recall. Consistent independent practice is an important part of successful GCSE preparation.

Students are encouraged to complete their homework carefully and consistently and to use it as an opportunity to identify areas where they may need further support.

Sparx Rewards

We want to recognise students who demonstrate commitment to their independent learning.

Every week, students finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd on their class Sparx leaderboard receive a sweet treat.

There are also additional rewards throughout the year:

  • Christmas: Class competition and film reward
  • Valentine's: Special incentive
  • Easter: Reward with a visit from the ice cream van

Revision Support

Every Year 11 class has a Science Revision Folder on Showbie, where class teachers regularly add revision resources and materials.

Paper-based revision resources are also available on request. Please contact your child's Science teacher if you feel they would benefit from these.

We encourage students to revise little and often, regularly revisiting previously taught content rather than waiting until immediately before an examination.

AQA GCSE 9-1 Combined Science Higher All-in-One Complete Revision and Practice: Ideal for the 2027 and 2028 exams includes online edition, quizzes and video solutionsRecommended Revision Guides

For students who would like an additional revision resource, we recommend the Collins AQA GCSE All-in-One Revision and Practice books.

Combined Science

Higher Tier: ISBN 978-0-00-816086-9
Foundation Tier: ISBN 978-0-00-816085-2

Triple Science

Biology: ISBN 978-0-00-816074-6
Chemistry: ISBN 978-0-00-816075-3
Physics: ISBN 978-0-00-816073-9

How Parents and Carers Can Help

Families can support students by:

  • Encouraging them to complete their weekly Sparx Science homework.
  • Encouraging regular use of the Showbie revision folder.
  • Asking them to explain what they have learned rather than simply rereading notes.
  • Encouraging them to act on teacher feedback and correct mistakes.
  • Supporting attendance at Monday intervention when invited.
  • Encouraging short, regular revision sessions.
  • Celebrating effort, improvement and consistency.

With regular practice, a positive response to feedback and a willingness to ask for help, every student can make meaningful progress in Science.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's Science teacher.